Florian Plettenberg from Sky Germany reports that Olympique Lyon has turned down Manchester City’s initial bid for Rayan Cherki. The two clubs are still in discussions, with the Premier League side preparing to make a second offer.
The young attacking midfielder has consented to the move and is now awaiting a resolution between the teams. Currently, he remains calm and focused on playing for France in the upcoming third-place match against Germany in the UEFA Nations League, having impressed with a memorable performance in the semi-finals where he contributed goals and assists.
At just 21 years old, Cherki has spent his entire career with Lyon, progressing through their youth academy. In the 2024/25 season, he played 44 matches across all competitions, netting 12 goals and providing 20 assists. He has two years remaining on his current contract.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the ongoing tug of war for young talent in top leagues, shaping the future of clubs like Manchester City and Lyon alike. A successful transfer could elevate the quality of play in the Premier League and further develop Cherki into one of the sport’s emerging stars.